Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
Saint Croix
Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.
This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Saint Croix $236
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $236. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Playa del Carmen and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Saint Croix $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $217
- Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
- Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
- St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Playa del Carmen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPlaya del Carmen $24Saint Croix $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.
- A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
- Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129
- C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Saint Croix $58
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
- St Croix Island Tour: $100
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
- 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Saint Croix $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Croix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Croix than you might in Playa del Carmen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Croix experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Saint Croix. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Saint Croix. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Saint Croix. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix in the Winter?
Both Saint Croix and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Saint Croix. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Saint Croix in the Spring?
Both Saint Croix and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.